“The deep darkness of chaos is expressed in a spooky opening section, there is a moment of high drama at the appearance of light and, throughout the piece, the music paints vivid pictures of lions, great whales, the call of birds and even the slithering of snakes.

“There are storms, with thunder, lightning hail and snow, and there are moments of great calm depicting the moon and stars or a beautiful pastoral scene. There are huge choruses of praise and wonderful arias including one of the most delightful love songs between Adam and Eve.”